Franklin Matters: State to call for water ban due to drought conditions

Thursday, June 25, 2020

State to call for water ban due to drought conditions

As with most meetings in this pandemic period, I took my notes via Twitter during the meeting reporting in real-time via the virtual session.

The Twitter hashtag can be found online #tc0624
https://twitter.com/hashtag/tc0624?src=hashtag_click

Real time reporting underway for Town Council meeting 6/24/20 #tc0624
Roll call and protocol of meeting by Chair Tom Mercer run through #tc0624
32 folks present to start. #tc0624 citizen comments - for items not on agenda. None stepped up to do so. Next up, appointments, some had not responded as of last time. 2 for this time; motion to approve, second, vote via roll call 9-0
Next up expenditure limits https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5a._20-33_revolving_funds.pdf #tc0624 for revolving funds, this caps the max amount for the fund to hold/spend. Generally based upon nature of account (i.e. volume) vote via roll call passed 9-0
Next up new revolving fund for treasurer for tax title, https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5b._20-38_tax_title_revolving_fund.pdf #tc0624 to handle tax title collections effect July 1. Passed via roll call 9-0 also removes $32K from ops budget eventually
Next up MECC stabilization fund, sets aside money for several years in lieu of the assessment currently not needed but will be in the future.https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5c._20-39_mecc_stabilization_fund.pdf #tc0624 was discussed during FinCom and TC budget hearings on detail
MECC stabilization fund discussion, some ops money moved to this and will be out aside for the future use when free assessment expires in FY 25 and FY 26 #tc0624 also for use of fire and police capital costs passed 9-0 via roll call
Next up first of two readings for water fee increase https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5d._20-855_water_fees.pdf #tc0624 assuming pass tonight, gets a second reading to take effect 9/01/20, an increase of 10% motion to move to second reading, passes 9-0
Mostly for $13M water treatment plant underway some grants and low costs loans helping to pay for this to bring wells 3 and 6 back online (currently offline due to high iron and manganese counts) Q are we looking at a water ban re: drought status? #tc0624
Drought coming due to lack of rain, #tc0624 slides to be added later, these are screen captures from the meeting
Discussion and clarification around water ban, which we don't have annually (except for prior drought and well fire last year), we have supply but our permit restricts pumping volume. #tc0624 3 and 6 solve volume issues next year when complete
If you water your lawn you are paying water and sewer fees (but nothing actually goes to the sewer) #tc0624 could you separate a meter for lawn watering? Garelick is also an open item as it is a large user and not completely out of bankruptcy yet
Private wells can use water under drought as we don't regulate them, they do come from the same aquifer. Should have sign to indicate #tc0624 Q on quarterly increase? Approx $10/q or $40/year. Wells 1, 2, 4 are the biggest producer. There will be a water conservation plan!
Ball fields will be reduced to once per week watering, #tc0624 if we stopped completely it would cost so much to restore, town buildings are turned off. Coffees to be set up to answer questions on water and supply, vs. permit especially with drought level 2 happening
What about the pandemic effective of water? Slide shows some volume increase, hand watering is still available, #tc0624 personal well use still uses town aquifer water there is a Community assistance program with income guidelines, call DPW
Could increase awareness of the program given 4.4% of low income folks in Franklin per some stats as only about 70 folks take advantage of program #tc0624 finally vote to move to 2nd reading, passed 9-0
Next up salary schedule for Town Clerk, only elected official who earns a salary from the Town. All TC, SchCom, and other board committee members are volunteer. #tc0624 motion to approve, passes 9-0
Next up police assoc contract for approval https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5f._20-41_police_association_contract.pdf #tc0624 final collective bargaining agreement on municipal side to reach deal. Motion to approve, passed 9-0 via roll call
Next up capital plan round 2; recall round 1 done in Jan, rest set aside until after winter and snow/ice confirmed. This these amounts can be used for one time purchases (not operations) #tc0624 FinCom and capital subcomm both approved, vote via roll call, passed 9-0
Next up, fiscal year transfers, balance accounts within the budget, https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5h._20-32_fy20_appropriation_transfers.pdf #tc0624 good news overall, given pandemic and revenue lost, this is living within the FY20 budget, passes via roll call 9-0
Next up, town administrator temp authorization for outdoor dining, https://franklinma.gov/sites/g/files/vyhlif591/f/mai/files/5i._20-34_authoroze_ta_to_grant_temp._expansion_licenses.pdf #tc0624 discussed in prior meeting this formalizes the process underway. Passed 9-0 via roll call
Thanks to Chrissy for her work on the licenses, 3 active cases, 1 increase in week. Good work by all to do this! Keep at it! #tc0624 future items, nothing at this time all around. Comments: thanks for turning out for the budget hearings. Have a great 4th!
Thanks for folks signing in tonight, thanks to Mike dangelo, Pete fasciano and Franklin TV crew for their work. Motion to adjourn, passed 9-0 via roll call, real time reporting ending now, catch you all next time! #tc0624